Music Box Monthly – December

Voice & Piano Teacher – Jennifer McLaren
Jennifer is originally from Calgary and moved to Vancouver in February 2006 to pursue her artistic interests. She studied voice at the University of Calgary, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance and a Minor in Drama. She also holds a Diploma in Music Performance from Mount Royal College.

Jennifer started her musical studies in accordion at the age of 5 and shortly thereafter was introduced to one of her greatest passions – choral music. She had the privilege of performing with a variety of choral ensembles in Calgary and Alberta, including the award-winning Mount Royal Youth Choir and University of Calgary Jazz Ensemble. Since 2006, Jennifer has been a member of the Vancouver Chamber Choir (Jon Washburn, Artistic Director), one of North America’s foremost professional choral ensembles. She maintains a busy performance, recording and touring schedule as one of the 20 choristers in the ensemble. For three seasons, Jennifer was also assistant conductor of the Zing! Children’s Choir in Vancouver.
As a vocal soloist, Jennifer has performed extensively throughout Alberta and B.C. and has had the opportunity to sing in a variety of different venues and styles, ranging from classical, musical theatre, and jazz, to pop and country. Performances include appearances with the Chutzpah! Festival, LANDE Cabaret, the Health Arts Society and the Erato Ensemble amongst others. Jennifer also performs with the Andrews Sisters-inspired vocal/piano quartet, the Lady Larks.
In addition to solo and choral appearances, Jennifer has a passion for theatre, running the gamut from opera and musical theatre to contemporary productions and self-produced works. B.C. theatre credits include productions with Fugue Theatre, Metro Theatre, Applause!, Vital Spark, DragonDiva Operatic Productions and North Shore Light Opera. She has worked as an actor, musician and/or composer for a variety of theatre companies throughout Alberta and B.C.

Jennifer has been teaching private voice, piano and theory lessons since 2000, and has been involved as a vocal coach and choral clinician for over a decade as well. Jennifer is also a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Her students have gone on to win RCM Gold Medals and Kiwanis competitions, appear in professional musical theatre, perform as soloists with the VSO and Vancouver Chamber Choir, and perform in some of BC’s top youth and honour choirs. She adores seeing students develop a life-long love for music!Jennifer is accepting students for MONDAYS beginning in January. Call or Write us now to reserve your spot with her.

Piano Teacher – Stefani Yap
Stefani Yap is a highly adaptable pianist who has been studying music for over 18 years. She has been heavily involved in music since childhood, performing in numerous music festivals, recitals, and piano masterclasses, receiving awards and honours along the way.

Stefani has recently completed her Bachelors of Music degree with distinction from the University of Victoria. During her four years in music school, Stefani discovered her passion for new music, as well as collaborating with others. While she is primarily classically trained, she also enjoys playing contemporary music, video game music, and jazz.

Stefani enjoys motivating her students, encouraging them to succeed, and creating a fun and positive environment for them to learn in. She hopes to share her enthusiasm and love for music with her students and watch them grow as musicians.Stefani has ONE spot left on Fridays.

Clarinet Teacher – Robyn Cho
Principal Clarinet of the Castleton Festival Orchestra, Robyn Cho has been highly praised by critics and artists for his dazzling technique, charismatic and sensational playing.

An active recitalist, soloist and chamber musician, he has appeared as a soloist with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, and has given performances in the Aspen Music Festival, Brott Music Festival, Castleton Festival, Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society, Boston University and Mooredale Concerts Series.

Mr. Cho has been a finalist for the position of Associate Principal Clarinet with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra in Sydney, Australia, Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Clarinet Audition, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Clarinet Audition.

Robyn is accepting Clarinet students of all levels on MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS.

Office Manager – Josee Smith
In addition to our great teachers, we are pleased to introduce Josée Smith as the newest member of our team!

As Office Manager, Josée will be working with us in the office by responding to inquiries and helping to better assist our students and parents. Josée has many years of musical background herself, playing several different instruments and holding a two-year Diploma in Music from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Her skills, qualifications, and personality have been a welcome addition to our team.

Do you have a child that likes to Sing, Dance or Act?
We begin a new semester of Musical Theatre this January for Ages 5-9. Classes will be held in the beautiful new New Westminster Anvil Centre. Register now HERE.

Don’t forget – Sign up for Picture Day this December!

Want to get your child’s picture taken for free by a professional photographer?